9 Amazing DIY Benches

These great benches, made with Woodland Mills sawmills, are simple, easy to make and look great indoors and outdoors

There are many different styles of benches, and it's easy to build your own, since these projects are accessible for DIY enthusiasts of all skill levels, offering plenty of ideas to choose from. 

While you could look up detailed instructions, sometimes it’s easier to see some incredible DIY benches made by sawyers and woodworkers and use that as inspiration for your own build.

Each of these benches was made by someone with a Woodland Mills portable sawmill, able to source their own materials, who shared them on the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook Group. These DIY projects give new life to new cuts of wood as well as repurposed materials, transforming them into functional and beautiful benches.

So let’s see what great things they’ve made:

Cottonwood Picnic Table

Peter's picnic table, complete with bench seats on either side and mounted on metal legs, looks beautiful. Not only did he pick out a great set of slabs with gorgeous marbled grain patterns, but the finish he used really brings out the details.

Image courtesy of Peter P., from the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook Group.

Half-Log Bench

What's easier than slicing a log in half and using that as the seat of your bench? Well, carving tree branches to become bench legs can be pretty difficult, but that didn't stop Karlos from doing that to create this all natural seat that will blend into any garden.

Image courtesy of Karlos A., from the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook Group.

Finely Finished Walnut Bench

A lot of sawyers pine for the chance to get their hands on walnut and cut it into slabs for their project. Bill's done just that, and run dowels through it to attach the legs. The color of the walnut really pops against the material of the legs, giving it quite an eye catching look.

Image courtesy of Bill M., from the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook Group.

Natural Forest Slab Bench

Some benches are fancy while others are practical, and there's something to be said about the natural beauty of Bill's bench. While it may not have the sparkling finishing touches that some other benches on this list do, it fully embraces the forest look by rocking a live-edge on both sides and even keeping a bit of bark with a bit of moss.

Image courtesy of Bill B., from the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook Group.

Slabs-All-Over Bench

Let the natural grain and patterns of your logs guide your project, like what Collin did with his slab bench. Every part of it, from the seat to the back and even the legs, runs with the natural angles of the timber, and without sacrificing comfort.

Image courtesy of Collin M., from the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook Group.

Smooth Live-Edge Bench

You can never do too much sanding, as Johnny demonstrates with his smooth live-edge slab bench. The natural shape of the slab is still there, but with a fine finishing process that makes it easy to sit on, with fashionable metal furniture too.

Image courtesy of Johnny B., from the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook Group.

Practical Bench Setup

There's something special about a bench that does everything it's designed to do, while still being simple to make. Bliss' furniture is made with unfinished lumber and exposed live edges, but looks stable, comfortable and study. It just goes to show even simple projects with a few rough-cut boards can be impressive and useful.

Image courtesy of Bliss B., from the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook Group.

Garden Bench

Who wouldn't want to sit in their garden with flowers on either side of them overlooking the pond? Andy's garden bench not only integrates his planter boxes with his bench, but he even went the extra mile and seared the wood to give it a singed look that's growing more popular with woodworkers, since it not only has a great look, but also helps seal in the wood from moisture.

Image courtesy of Andy D., from the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook Group.

Knotty Slab Bench

Don't let your knotty slabs go to waste because oftentimes they make the best-looking projects. Take Jim's bench for example, which integrates the texture of the wood into every piece. Having a slab on the back makes it easy to see the wonderful grain pattern around those knots too.

Image courtesy of Jim Z., from the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook Group.

Making your own Bench

If any of these projects has appealed to you then you can use them as inspiration for your own build. Here's some general tips for your project:

• • Test Your Bench: Start by giving your bench a careful inspection. Check for any rough edges, wobbly joints, or spots that could use a little extra sanding. A smooth finish not only looks great but adds comfort, especially if you plan to spend time relaxing on your new creation.

  • Make Your Project Your Own: Personalizing your bench is a fun way to make it unique. Many DIYers love to sign their work, whether it’s your name, a special date, or a meaningful message, a signed bench becomes a lasting memory. You can even use a woodburning tool or a small plaque for a professional touch. Search for fresh ideas or tutorials online or visit other woodworkers' shops to get ideas, but you should make your bench 100% your own.

  • Final Touches: Once your bench is built and the main structure is complete, it’s time for the most satisfying part: adding those final touches that make your project truly stand out. This is where you can let your creativity shine and ensure your bench is not only sturdy and functional, but also a perfect fit for your indoor or outdoor space. If you’re after a polished look, consider applying a protective coat of varnish, oil, or outdoor paint to bring out the natural beauty of the wood and help your bench withstand the elements.

  • Share Your Bench: Post pictures or video of the finished project on Instagram, Facebook or in the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook group. Get honest feedback from your friends and learn from what you've done to improve your next bench build.

Building your own bench is about more than just the finished product, it’s about the fun you have along the way, the things you learn, and the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands. So take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to try new things.

Looking for ideas or feedback?

Are you planning on making your own bench using lumber from around your property. You should definitely join the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook Group. Not only are there new posts every day from avid sawyers and woodworkers sharing their project, but there is often constructive advice in the comments for those who are asking for help.

Some great pieces of advice demonstrated from all the benches mentioned today include:

• • Find a unique slab of wood using your Woodland Mills portable sawmill

  • Decide whether you want to leave it rough-hewn or finely finished

  • Will you use all-wood or metal furniture?

  • Share your idea with others and get feedback for your next project